Americans overwhelmingly see controlling the border as top priority

The great majority, 69 percent, of American voters recently told poll takers that gaining control of the border is more important than legalizing illegal immigrants. Three of every four told the Rasmussen Reports national telephone poll that the government is not doing enough to make that happen. Thirty-four percent say the current immigration situation makes them angry, while another 25 percent said they are mildly frustrated.

The new findings show an uptick of concern among voters. Increasingly frustrated with the slow pace of federal action, states and localities are attempting to deal with the problem of illegal immigration on their own. Both major presidential candidates have called for stronger border enforcement but have not made it a central element of their campaigns.

Support for gaining control of the border is high in all age, income, gender and racial categories. Only those who describe themselves as liberals are more divided, although they still favor border control slightly more than legalization.

For 86 percent of likely McCain voters, gaining control of the border is more important than legalizing the status of undocumented workers. Potential Obama voters are split, with 53 percent favoring control of the border versus and 35 percent who put legalization first.

The two sides are close to agreement when asked if the government is doing enough to secure the borders. Only eight percent of likely McCain voters and 19 percent of potential Obama voters believe the government is doing enough to secure the borders.